Rhodes Island: Mediterranean Knights
in Shining Armour
Stepping into the Old Town, you enter a realm where knights once roamed the cobbled streets, and echoes of history resonate from every stone and corner.
The story of the Rhodes Island Mediterranean Knights begins with a step back in time, in a fascinating place that is also the crux of what Rhodes is known for the most, where the past and present coexist.
As you traverse the ancient pathways, the legacy of the Knights of St. John surrounds you, etched in the stones underfoot. Walking through the grand gates, Rhodes old town history comes to life. As you saunter along the Street of the Knights, it’s easy to imagine the clinking of armour and the herald’s calls that once filled the air. Each stone building, with its heavy wooden doors and armoured shields, tells a story of valour and strategic importance.
The walls of this UNESCO World Heritage site whisper the tales of an Order that transformed the island into a bastion of Mediaeval chivalry. The Palace of the Grand Master, an imposing fortress with its imposing towers, stands as a testament to the might and architectural prowess of the Knights. Venturing inside, the mosaic floors, artefacts from the island of Kos, depict scenes from ancient mythology.
In the bustling Socrates Street, the main thoroughfare of the Old Town, the air is fragrant with the aroma of local spices and the sound of leather craftsmen at work. Here, amidst the vibrant market stalls, you can find exquisite handcrafted souvenirs that intertwine the island’s rich history with artisanal tradition.
Don’t miss the opportunity to climb the Roloi Clock Tower for a panoramic view of the town and Aegean sea beyond and imagine watching over Knights and travellers alike as they passed. This vantage point not only captures the beauty of Rhodes but also the strategic importance that made it a crossroads of civilizations.
As the day fades, the Old Town takes on an ethereal glow around dusk. The fading light plays off the stones, casting long shadows and bathing the town in a golden hue, reminiscent of the knights’ golden era. This moment feels like a pause in time, a direct connection to Rhodes Island Mediterranean Mediaeval past. It is also the number one item on what to do in Rhodes, Greece in one day, but in fact, you can easily spend the entire day there.
Immerse into it all on your next luxury holidays in Rhodes. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a romantic soul or travelling with excitable kids, the Old Town of Rhodes offers a magical escape into a world where knights still watch from the ramparts, and each corner holds a promise of ancient tales. Here, the past is not just remembered; it is re-lived.
